Nollywood superstars Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, and Chidi Mokeme headline this gripping drama set against the backdrop of the attempted 1976 military coup against the government of General Murtala Mohammed.

Nigerian historical fiction drama film produced by Adonaijah Owiriwa and Izu Ojukwu and directed by Izu Ojukwu. It stars Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Rita Dominic and Ibinabo Fiberesima.
Set six years after the civil war, a young officer from the Middle Belt gets into a romantic relationship with an O-level student from the South-eastern region. However, their relationship is strained by constant military postings. The soldier gets accused of being involved in the 1976 unsuccessful military coup and assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, and the heavily pregnant wife, gets entangled in an emotional dilemma.
The historical account in'76 went through a seven-month approval period at the Nigerian Military before filming started. The film which is set in the'70s was shot in Ibadan, Oyo. The film has been in production for about five years.

A film by Izu Ojukwu

Nigeria, 2016, Fiction, 118 minutes, 14A, colour/bw, English & Igbo

starring Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo F iberisima, Larry Williams, Adonija Owiriwa, Daniel K. Daniel, Memry Savanhu, Pat Nebo, Debo Oguns, Adams Shuaibu

NOTE OF THE PROGRAMMER
Nigerians have been waiting for Izu Ojukwu's new film. One of his nation's most artistically ambitious filmmakers, he's also become known for the sweep of his stories. But, with 76, he reaches a new level. Inspired by cataclysmic events of 40 years ago, and shot, remarkably, in 35mm, this epic political thriller features Nollywood superstars Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, and Chidi Mokeme.

Nigeria's middle belt, 1976. Respected army officer Captain Joseph Dewa (Nouah) and his wife, Suzy (Dominic), who is from the southeastern part of Nigeria, eagerly anticipate their first child. Suzy's family adamantly disapproves of her intercultural marriage. At the same time, rebellious soldiers on Joseph's base attempt to recruit him into a coup plot to assassinate General Murtala Mohammed, a key player in Nigeria's Civil War. Joseph resists but the plotters are cunning, setting a trap for him and creating barriers of secrecy between him and Suzy. It's not long before Joseph is arrested, isolating him from his military brothers and his own family.

Tackling a still-contested chapter in Nigeria's history, Ojukwu weaves together themes of political and personal loyalty, telling the story from the dual perspectives of the betrayed soldier and his anguished wife. Though it recounts serious recent history, 76 delivers great pleasures as well. The warm, saturated cinematography perfectly captures the period, and the soundtrack of'70s music - both Nigerian and American - beautifully sets the tone. Ojukwu has reached new heights with 76. The wait was well worth it.

Cameron BAILEY (TIFF 2016)

Tags: Film, Resistance, Black + African Diaspora, History, Sub-Saharan Africa, Social Change

Director
Izu Ojukwu

Executive Producer
Adonijah Owiriwa, Tonye T.J.T. Princewill

Producer
Izu Ojukwu, Adonijah Owiriwa

Cinematographer
Yinka Edward

Cast
Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo F iberisima, Larry Williams, Adonija Owiriwa, Daniel K. Daniel, Memry Savanhu, Pat Nebo, Debo Oguns, Adams Shuaibu


2016 | 41st TIFF - Toronto International Film Festival
* Selection - City to City (Lagos
* World Premiere
Sat Sep 10
Sun Sep 11
Tue Sep 13
Sat Sep 17
www.tiff.net/films/76/